Shakespeare Theatre Company

STC Offers Master Classes for Adults

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) in Washington, D.C., has scheduled a full slate of master acting classes for adults this summer, from Shakespeare-centric courses to classes focused on film and TV acting.

Classes cost $335 for six sessions, with 15 percent discounts when registering at the same time for two classes, and $25 off for early registration by June 15. Discounts are also available for Actor's Equity members, classroom teachers, college students, and STC volunteers.

Teachers include professional actors (some of whom get considerable mention in Shakespeareances.com reviews). Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Introduction to Acting—Mondays, July 6–August 10, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Joy Jones. Always wanted to try your hand at acting, but never had the chance? The journey begins here with an exploration of the actor's vocal, physical, and psychological instrument. No prior experience required.

Fundamentals of Scene Study—Wednesdays, July 8–August 12, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Eva Wilhelm (A Commedia Romeo and Juliet, Hamlecchino). Ready to move past improvisation exercises and start chewing on some text? Plunge into scene work through in-depth text analysis, concentrated partner work, and full investment in given circumstances. This class will help participants explore ways to activate contemporary texts in rehearsal and performance. Prior participation in Introduction to Acting or equivalent required.

Approaching Shakespeare—Mondays, July 6–August 10, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Gregory Wooddell (As You Like It, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest). Covered the basics and ready to tackle The Bard? Through a mixture of performance and text analysis, students will gain a working knowledge of Shakespeare's plays and language—verse, prose, meter, character, and intent—a foundation that can then be applied towards continuing study and performance. STC Affiliated Artist Gregory Wooddell was last seen at STC this season in As You Like It. Prior participation in Introduction to Acting or equivalent recommended.

Improvisation—Wednesdays, July 8–August 12, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Brent Stansell. Using games and exercises designed to stimulate creativity, think quickly in the moment, and encourage risk-taking (while having a ton of fun), participants will create motivated characters in dynamic scenes as they work towards a culminating performance in long-form improv. No prior experience required.

Voice and Speech—Wednesdays, July 8–August 12, 6:45–8:45 p.m.; Instructor: Tonya Beckman (The Tempest, Taffety Punk's Twelfth Night, Folger's Twelfth Night, Love's Labour's Lost, Rape of Lucrece, The Gaming Table, and an interview in Dialogues). Explore the integration of voice and language while deepening your understanding of the creative power of your own voice. Through a broad range of exercises, students will explore the complex links between breath, thought, emotion, voice, and language, while increasing their ability to utilize safely and effectively an expressive, powerful, and fully embodied voice either onstage or in daily life. No prior experience required.

Dream Roles—Tuesdays, July 7–August 11, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Elizabeth Alman. Hamlet? Lady Macbeth? What character from any play in Shakespeare's canon have you always wanted to tackle? It's your choice. Be ambitious and dream. With voice and movement work, text analysis, monologues and scene work with other class members, students will tackle a comprehensive exploration of one character as imagined by Shakespeare. Approaching Shakespeare or equivalent required.

TV and Film Scene Study—Mondays, July 6–August 10, 6:45–9:15 p.m. (no class July 20; additional class Tuesday, July 14); Instructor: Thomas Keegan (Henry VI, Part One, Othello, Women Beware Women, The Blind Beggar of Alexandria). Dive into the best scenes from television and film with professional actor Thomas Keegan of AMC's TURN. Discover techniques and approaches unique to acting in television and film through exercises and scene work. Fundamentals of Scene Study or equivalent recommended.

Advanced Scene Study—Tuesdays, July 7–August 11, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Katie deBuys (Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Conference of the Birds, The Gaming Table). Plunge into scene work using in-depth text analysis, focusing on contemporary text. Through concentrated partner work under guidance from Helen Hayes-nominated actress deBuys, discover techniques professional actors use to develop character and make bold, dynamic choices. Fundamentals of Scene Study or equivalent required.

Acting for Business Professionals—Two sessions: Tuesdays, July 7–August 11,6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Dan Crane (Hamlet, The First Quarto, Love's Labour's Lost, Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Pericles, Rape of Lucrece, Arden of Faversham). Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6–22, 6:45–9:15 p.m.; Instructor: Manu Kumasi (Titus Andronicus). Whether it's the boardroom or lunchroom, client or co-worker, maximize the potential of every meeting, presentation, and negotiation in the business world. In a fun, comfortable environment, learn how to listen and communicate more effectively and become more relaxed, present, and persuasive in public through the study of techniques used by actors and directors in the theatre.